Mississippi leaders hold health care forum - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Mississippi leaders hold health care forum

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - Governor Haley Barbour spoke out Wednesday against the health care reform legislation recently signed by President Barack Obama.

Barbour joined business leaders in hosting a forum on the topic at the Jackson Convention Complex.

During the forum, Barbour said he opposes the law going into affect, and wants to change it or repeal it. He believes the legislation will increase the cost of health insurance. He said the legislation will also force the state to pay $230 million more over 10 years on mandated Medicaid.

He believes the federal government is grossly understating the cost of implementation.

But he also pointed out, there a lot we don't know about the bill, which is over 2,500 pages.

Other speakers included representatives from the insurance industry, the hospitality industry, and the Mississippi Manufacturer's Association.

Sponsors said they wanted to hold the forum to begin a dialogue about the potential impacts of health care reform.

"This is an ongoing process. It's a phased-in bill. It will take place between now and 2014, so you'll see a lot more on this bill, a lot more on how it impacts each individual in the business community, and the state, over time," said Jay Moon, president of the Mississippi Manufacturer's Association.

The forum was free and open to the public. The business community said it will likely hold more information sessions on the topic. 

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